ISC Announces 2009 Finalists

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Announces 2009 Finalists and Semi-Finalists

Click here to see the complete list.

The 306 ISC finalists represent a depth of diversity and talent from all corners of the world. For the first time in ISC's history, more than half of the finalists are from outside the USA, reinforcing ISC's position as the premier international songwriting competition in the world. Entries came from all over the world, from South Africa to Estonia, Malta to Uganda, Israel to El Salvador, India to Tanzania, and everywhere in between. The country showing the most growth in entries was Australia, and for the first time ever, became the country with the most entries next to the USA.

Do you have a favorite ISC song that's been selected a finalist?
Now you can have your say and tell ISC which song you like best!

From now until March 31, 2010, you can take part in the People's Voice, an online voting contest that allows you to listen to and vote for your favorite ISC finalist. The winner of the People's Voice is in addition to, and completely separate from, the regular winners who will be selected by the prestigious ISC judging panel. The People's Voice is judged solely by public vote, and the winner will receive lots of cool prizes and bragging rights!

All 2009 finalists' songs have now been sent to the ISC judges who will select the winners (other than the People's Voice winner who is selected by you). All winners will be announced at the end of April, 2010, as soon as the results are in.

ISC Stocking Stuffer Winner
In December, 2009, ISC ran a special two-day "Stocking Stuffer" promotion on Sonicbids, offering a $1,000 prize to ISC's favorite song. ISC received a lot of great entries, and the decision was very difficult. But (drum roll, please), a winner has been chosen, and it is......"Fifth Tambourine" written by Nate Cole, Gabe Combs, Liska Cole, Coury Combs, Joel Plotnik, and Brandon Schwartzel of the band Castledoor from Los Angeles, CA.

2009 Judges:
Recording Artists: Kings of Leon • Tom Waits • Journey • Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) • Timbaland • Wynonna • Jeff Beck • Loretta Lynn • McCoy Tyner • Steve Winwood • Michael W. Smith • Alejandro Sanz • Robbie Williams • Black Francis (The Pixies) • Robert Smith (The Cure) • Adele • James Mercer (The Shins) • Jerry Lee Lewis • Jeremy Camp • Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC) • John Mayall • Chris Hillman (The Byrds) • Youssou N’Dour • John Scofield • Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol) • Ray Wylie Hubbard • Matt Thiessen (Relient K) • James Cotton • Sasha • John Digweed • Robert Earl Keen • Jeffrey Steele • Mario • Toots Hibbert (Toots & The Maytals) • Craig Morgan • DJ Tiesto • Baaba Maal • “Weird Al” Yankovic • Sandra Bernhard Industry Executives: Monte Lipman (President, Universal Republic Records) • Seymour Stein (Chairman/CEO, Sire Records) • Amanda Ghost (President, Epic Records) • Ric Arboit (President, Nettwerk Music Group) • James Diener (President, A&M/Octone Records) • Amy Doyle (Sr. VP Music & Talent, MTV) • Brian Malouf (VP A&R, Walt Disney Records) • Mitchell Cohen (VP A&R, Verve Music Group) • Kim Buie (VP A&R, Lost Highway) • Rick Krim (Executive VP Talent & Music Programming, VH1) • Dan Storper (President, Putamayo World Music) • Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records) • Lisa Ramsey Perkins (Sr. Director A&R, Sony Nashville) • Angel Carrasco (Sr. VP A&R, Latin America Sony/BMG) • Cory Robbins (President, Robbins Entertainment) • Steve Lillywhite (Producer) • Douglas C. Cohn (Sr. VP Music Marketing & Talent, Nickelodeon) • Dr. Demento (Radio Host, The Dr. Demento Show)

Winning ISC isn't just about the cash and prizes. The recognition, exposure, and kudos of winning ISC add to the reasons to enter and benefits of winning. ISC is looking for great songs and songwriters - so, whether you're a professional songwriter or just starting out, ISC welcomes your entries.

It's very easy to submit your songs. You can enter online (mp3) or mail your songs (CD, tape, or DVD for music video entries). You can also enter through MySpace if you have a MySpace page - which is really easy because ISC will go to your page and listen to your songs there (you don't even need to send us your songs!).

Categories: Pop/Top 40, AAA (Adult Album Alternative), R&B/Hip-Hop, Adult Contemporary (AC), Rock, Country, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Americana, Blues, Jazz, Gospel/Christian, Latin Music, Instrumental, Dance/Electronica, Comedy/Novelty, World Music, Children's Music, Lyrics Only, Teen, Performance, and Music Video. Entrants may submit as many songs as they wish - in the same category or in multiple categories.

ISC Sponsors: Gibson, ASCAP, Berklee College Of Music, Disc Makers, D'Addario, Shure, JamHub, Thayers, FanCue, M-Audio, Onlinegigs, SongU.com, The Music Business Registry, Tanager AudioWorks, Shari's Berries, Independent Mastering, Indie Venue Bible, George Stein, Esq., Sonicbids, Taxi, music Submit, CelebrityAccess, and Alphabet Arm Design
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ISC Sponsor Spotlight
Thayers
Trusted by tenors, teachers, tour guides and other types who trill, talk and testify. THAYERS® Slippery Elm Lozenges and THAYERS® Dry Mouth Sprays have been providing relief for sore throats since 1847. Some of their better known customers are Justin Timberlake, Mavis Staples, Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Thomas, Sting, and Queen Latifah. As the only natural vocal care product FDA approved as an Over the Counter Drug (OTC) to heal, soothe and protect the membranes of your throat, you can use THAYERS® Slippery Elm Lozenges with the confidence of proven effectiveness. Helping to prevent vocal strain, THAYERS® Dry Mouth Sprays provide on-demand moisture for the mouth and vocal chords. - Try THAYERS® and soon you'll be singing our praises! Please visit www.thayers.com or call toll-free: 888-THAYER-1
ASCAP 'I Create Music' EXPO, April 22-24, Los Angeles, CA

More great panelists have been added to the ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO lineup!
Over 20 new panelists including hit songwriter Linda Perry, the creators of Yo Gabba Gabba! and a wide range of music creators and music industry veterans have just been added to the already stellar lineup of ASCAP EXPO speakers led by Quincy Jones, John Mayer and Bill Withers.

Get heard at the EXPO: Collaborate with Grammy-nominated producer Chris "Deep" Henderson and songwriter Nate Walka (Jamie Foxx's "Blame It")! Another great reason to register, this unique opportunity allows you to download your choice of two musical tracks, write your own lyrics to it and then submit your completed song for possible discussion in front of the EXPO audience. Don't miss this great event. Register now and save!
JamHub

JamHubs were created to give musicians the freedom to jam anywhere, anytime. Virtually silent to the outside world, neighbors can't hear it, parents can't hear it, cops can't hear it, but for everyone in the band, the experience rocks! Just pick a color section and plug in your instruments, mics and headphones. Each musician can control their own individual mixes. You'll hear yourself like never before with amazing new clarity, no more volume wars, and your playing will improve faster. JamHub is also affordable, portable and easy to set up. So now every band can make more music more often. For more info, please visit www.JamHub.com
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Industry Partners
The Music Producer 2.0

The Music Producer 2.0 software is a music creation tool for music lovers, beginner musicians and anyone who wants to produce their own music. Just drag and drop sample beats, melodies and chords into the song writing window and you'll be creating your own music, podcasts and ringtones in minutes! Create music by layering your voice with pre-produced songs, over 3,400 digital music samples and loops. Save your music as an MP3 or burn on to a CD and share with family, friends, and fans on Facebook and My Music Space! Go to www.themusicproducer.com for your free 30 day trial!
Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition 2010

Don't forget about new folk! Songwriters have until March 15, 2010 to enter The 2010 Grassy Hill Kerrville New Folk Competition to be held during the 39th Annual Kerrville Folk Festival. Out of 800 entries, thirty-two New Folk Finalists will be invited to share their original songs during the New Folk Concerts on Saturday and Sunday, May 29 & 30, 2010. Six New folk award winners will then be chosen from the thirty-two and will return on Sunday, June 6 to perform 20 minutes of their original songs and receive a cash prize and serious bragging rights. Open to international contestants. Contest guidelines must be followed. Please visit www.kerrville-music.com/newfolk for information.

www.songwritingcompetition.com
www.myspace.com/isc
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